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Martha High and Speedometer: Soul Overdue [Freestyle]
Martha High has been belting out soul songs for four decades strong. Martha started off working as a member of the Jewels, a group that was part of the James Brown Revue. Martha would continue to work with the Godfather of soul and later on work with former band member Maceo Parker. On “Soul Overdue” her voice sounds as strong as ever as she covers classics and makes them her own. A prime example is her rendition of the Etta James timeless “I’d Rather Go Blind” and Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man”. Other highlights include “Save Me” and “Dragging Me Down”, two burning tracks that demonstrate that Speedometer are more than capable of giving up the funk. A killer rhythm section and a dynamic voice adds up to a wonderful record. “Soul Overdue” is right on time.
Various: The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club [Freestyle]
You can count on Craig Charles as a certified messenger of the funk and his weekly radio show on BBC’s Radio 6 is testament to that. Throughout the nineteen track disc, Charles compiles some of the heavy hitters of today as they carry the baton of tasty funk with gritty grooves. There are many prime cuts to savor like “Seven Nation Army” by Nostalgia 77 featuring the soaring vocals of Alice Russell. “A Time For” is another taste of slow burning funk courtesy of Lack Of Afro. For instrumentals there’s The Haggis Horns “The Bump” and “Shaft In Africa” from The Mighty Showstoppers just to name a few. Don’t have the time hand pick your funk? No worries, Craig Charles’s selections will supply all the funk you need.
Double Yellow: Life in the Slow Lane [Here and Now recordings]
Double Yellow is the duo of Singer/songwriter Dave Lilley and DJ/Producer Diesler. "Life in the Slow Lane”, their full length debut is a potpourri of musical flavors rooted in deep grooves and tasty funk. Among the highlights are the Dixie Jazz flavored “No One Knows” that features the sweet vocals of Suzanne Lilley. “Zygote No.9” is heavy funk with hypnotic grooves. “Dust Can Grow” is a laid back Latin jazz flavored tune that features vocals from Edward Pye and and Daniel Smith on trumpet. Lilley’s imaginative songwriting and Diesler’s beats make for an engaging record. Admirers of the “We Got Caught” ep will not be disappointed.
Positive Flow: Flowlines [Tokyo Dawn]
Jesse Reuben Wilson, the man behind Positive Flow returns with his first full length release since 2006. We hope there isn’t another six year gap in between albums because “Flowlines” is packed with superb recordings by an array of talented artists like Colonel Red, Omar, Andre Espeut and many more. “Flowlines” starts out impressively with “Children Of The Sun”, a mid-tempo soulful electronica blessed by the angelic vocals of Heidi Vogel. The disc picks up the tempo with “My Prediction”, filled with thick grooves and the unmistakable vocals of Omar. “In The Garden of Your Life” is another laid back soulful beauty sung by Vanessa Freeman. Jesse does a superb job with string arrangements on the aforementioned tracks and throughout the entire disc that adds an emotive element to his compositions. In addition to the vocal contributions there are some funky instrumentals such as “Phaedra’s Flight” and the celestial “Capoeira”. You know you have a great record when you can find a new favorite every time you play it. Simply put this is futuristic soul music of the highest order and one of the best records of the year.
Smoove: First Class [Jalapeno Recordss]
DJ/Producer Smoove has long established his allegiance to the funk and his love for Hip-Hop through his DJ sets as well as his recordings with partner Turrell. On his latest solo project “First Class”, he treats us to his exclusive remixes from an array of artists who know how to lay down a groove. “Traveling Man” is a prime example of the funk that is brewing here as Jazz & Blues singer Brenda Boykin croons over a sizzling organ grinder meets thumping bass groove. Smoove turns up the heat with some well-placed edits on “Baby Your Lovin” by Electmric Empire. “Da Wiesel” by Boogaloo Stomp evokes memories of Kool & The Gang’s “Love & Understanding” and hearing this again will get you moving on the good foot. Other highlights include “It’s My Funk” by Charlie Funk feat Afrika Bambaataa & King Kamonzi and “Son Montuno” by the Una Mas Trio. “Frist Class” is exactly that; a first rate funk and soul burner that delivers from beginning to end.
Olympic Cyclone Band: Seasons Greetings [Jalapeno Recordss]
Some of my favorite holiday songs are the ones that don’t necessarily sound like holiday songs. In the case of “Seasons Greetings” by the Olympic Cyclone Band they clearly know how to lay down a groove and make Christmas tunes sound hip. From the traditional “Little Drummer Boy” laced with a sizzling bass line to the bluesy organ grinding “Away In A Manger”. In addition to the instrumental holiday delights there are some vocal treats as well. Stephanie Davies soothing vocals add a bit of spice to “When A Child Is Born” and Fiona Egan on “All Is Bright” will leave you feeling that “Silent Night” never sounded as good as this. If you’re a traditional sort then you’ll feel right at home with their renditions of “Jingle Bells” and the “!2 Days Of Christmas”. Either way “Seasons Greetings” would make for a great stocking stuffer and should make its way onto everyone’s holiday playlist.
Re:jazz: Kaleidoscope [InfraCom]
There’s a lot to like about the latest release from the Frankfurt band known as Re:jazz. While their previous recordings have featured more of an acoustic sound “Kaleidoscope” features that as well as elements of contemporary Jazz, Latin rhythms and groove based electro soul. Credit Jazzanova producer Axel Reinemer for providing the analog approach to these recordings and in the process creates a live organic listening experience. Take for instance the sunny vibes of “Wonders Of The World”, a mellow tune that introduces featured vocalist Mediha. Mediha replaces Inga as the lead vocalist here and makes her mark on three tracks, including a stirring cover of Robert Owen’s “Tears”. Pianist/DJ Matthias Vogt highlights the transformation of this classic from a deep house classic to an acoustic Jazz gem. “Windy City” is an adventurous jazz instrumental filled with multiple moods and textures. “Lambic 9 Poetry” is funky soul jazz fusion with a laid back groove. No matter what direction the seven member ensemble has taken here they’ve achieved their task of broadening their musical horizons. The result is an exceptional record that should satisfy devoted supporters while inviting new listeners as well.
Patrick Adams: The Best of P and P Records [P&P]
You can’t reminiscence about the essence of boogie and Disco music without invoking the contributions of Patrick Adams who along with Peter Brown formed P&P records during the mid-seventies. Indeed Cloud One, one of the first groups to emerge from the P&P imprint would release one of the most sought after underground hits in 1976 with “Atmosphere Strut”. The nine minute bouncy party jam with the wicked synths and the catchy chorus “Get Up and Fly, Fly Away” was that rare Disco hit that could host a party all by itself. This would be the first of many hits; “Disco Juice” was another Adams masterpiece that had a sweet melody and a funky groove. Aside from Cloud One, Adams penned another hit with Marta Acuna with the club friendly “Dance Dance Dance”. As many of the Disco hits of this period relied heavily on synthesizers to make a hit, Adams brought more than that to the table. He was a consummate writer, composer and musician who knew how to make quality recordings that turned into hits. That he’s remained relevant after thirty years is a testament to that. That being said, the P&P catalogue captures some of his most creative work that still sounds great today.
Mathias Stubo: Mathias Stubo [BBE]
Norwegian drummer/multi-instrumentalist embarks on a journey of heavenly rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes. Among the highlights are the explosive afro-beat inspired “Those High Frequency Feelings”. Martin Mata contributes to the celestial “Opp I Lufta”. “Back Into My Life” is another enjoyable instrumental slice of electro ambient grooves. With other subtle hints of Pop, funk and well placed sampling throughout the disc, Mathias Stubo delivers a refreshing album filled with creativity and imagination that proves to be a fascinating listen.
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra: Reel To Reel [Ubiquity]
If you ever envisioned yourself as an action hero but lacked the quality soundtracks to capture your scenes then I suggest having a copy of “Reel to Reel” by your side at all times. Shawn Lee’s recordings are always steeped in raw and gritty funk and his thematic compositions have sparked interest from filmmakers and rappers searching for quality beats. Notable tracks are “Boomwack”, a brooding mid-tempo tune with a thick groove. “Spy Seduction” is a string laden mellow bossa tune that would fit nicely in a James Bond scene. “Soho Chase” is filled with blustering horns and hypnotic bongo rhythms would make for the ideal theme song while you’re about to apprehend a burglar during a car chase. Shawn continues to dig in the crates to finds hidden funk gems and this release is no exception
Fetsum: The Colors of Hope [Sonar Kollektiv]
After listening to “The Colors Of Hope”, the debut of Sonar Kollektiv artist Fetsum this much is clear; his distinctive voice will resonate with you instantly and his poignant lyrics layered over a soulful reggae acoustic vibe will stir your consciousness and soul. Fetsum was discovered by Reggae star Patrice who soon invited him on tour and eventually to the studio where the ground works for his debut was formed. By his own admission, Fetsum aptly describes his sound as urban folk and you can’t go wrong with any of his compositions to understand why. For instance “One People” is an uplifting folk tune that depicts Fetsum as a time traveler to experience the Civil Rights period. “Divided by Thoughts” is filled with Middle Eastern rhythms and speaks of the divisiveness that permeates through the world. “Queen of My Heart” is a beautiful ballad that finds Fetsum bearing his soul about the woman who moves his heart. It’s safe to say that one listen is all it will take recognize that is an artist to keep an eye on. This is a superb record that by an emerging artist that merits your attention.
Johnick: This Is How We Dew [BBE]
If you happen to be one of the night clubbers who worked up a sweat in the underground clubs during the nineties there’s a strong chance you jacked your body to a Johnick track or two. If you were in New York City then the chances are even greater considering Johnny ‘D’ DeMairo and Nicky Palermo crafted countless house tracks just across the bridge in nearby Brooklyn and received numerous spins by the top DJ’s throughout NYC and around the globe. In fact alongside premier House labels like Strictly Rhythm, Johnick’s Henry Street imprint produced some of the hottest House music during this period. Now courtesy of BBE, you get to experience their deep douse grooves that remain relevant and certain to make you move throughout the night. “This Is How We Dew” is filled with classics such as “Play the World”, aided by a sample of another house banger; River Ocean’s “Love and Happiness. “The Captain” is a deep and soulful track that instantly fills any dance floor and “Smoke” is a superb edit of the Eddie Kendricks classic. This double lp is filled with funky four to the floor beats, not to mention a snapshot of two world renowned DJ/producers and their essential contributions to House music.
zafmusic: Private Wax – Super Rare Boogie and Disco [BBE]
Zaf is a music aficionado, avid collector and former owner of Reckless Records in New York City. He has been compiling disco and boogie tunes for over forty years and he has dug into his vault to share a sampling of his rare grooves as the title would suggest. While every track here doesn’t qualify as a gem there are a few delights that will grab your attention. Prime cuts include “Sweet Maryline” by Christian Gaubert. “Music Freak” by Contagious is a proper funk tune with a wicked groove. “Fly with Me” by Yohon is a Disco treat with strings inspired by the Salsoul sound that will certainly move you. Thanks to Zaf and countless other DJs the sound of the boogie is alive and well and “Private Wax” is a good source to get your groove on.
Gabriele Poso: Roots Of Soul [InfraCom]
Gabriele Poso’s sophomore release “Roots of Soul” is a wonderful record that blends Latin, African and other cultural rhythms together with sterling results, Poso is surrounded by an ensemble of multi-talented musicians that help his compositions take flight and you’re certain to enjoy the ride. For instance “Dona Flora” is a mid-tempo tune that features warm piano melodies from Giuseppe Magagnino while Poso culminates with a controlled flurry of rhythms ranging from percussions to congas and timbales. There are also a number of superb vocalists that add color to these compositions. Dionisia Cassiano vocals soar on the uplifting “With Me Come Fly” and Nailah Porter’s vocals will make you shiver on the beautiful ballad “A Night with You”. Gabriele’s debut “From The Genuine World” displayed so much promise and on “Roots Of Soul” he has definitely delivered. In turn he’s carving out his place as a superb percussionist as well as a great composer who merits serious attention.
Belleruche: Rollerchain [Tru Thoughts]
The London trio Belleruche returns with their fourth album and they continue to evolve with their eclectic sound that knows no boundaries. While their debut “Turntable Soul Music” was more hip-hop driven and “The Express” contained more of a bluesy vibe, “Rollerchain” is a darker and more pop influenced. Nevertheless they make it all work with strong compositions and heavy bass infused grooves courtesy of guitarist Ricky Fabulous. What really brings it all together is the soothing voice of Kathrin DeBoer and she shines on an array of blissful tunes, most notably the seductive down-tempo “Wasted Time”. Other highlights include the slow stirring “Cloverleaf” and the percolating “Limelight” will certainly delight devout listeners and entice newcomers. Belleruche’s down to earth vibe endears them to us as if they’ve been long time friends prone to random jam sessions in your backyard. You can always count on them delivering good tunes and this disc is a testament to that.